THE freeze on permits to transfer rice between states, which came into effect on Tuesday, is a temporary measure to ensure rice supply in local markets remains stable.

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said today if a Rice Distributor Licensee needs to sell rice in another state, they can submit an application to the state Padi and Rice Supervisory Office for consideration and approval by its director-general, on a case-by-case basis.

The directive only involves Rice Distributor Licensees, so farmers can still sell their rice harvest at any factory, including factories in other states, the ministry said. 

The ministry said farmers need a rice transfer permit from their state Padi and Rice Supervisory Office if they want to sell rice to factories abroad, adding that engagement sessions would be held with interested parties for clarification to ensure the local rice supply remains stable at controlled prices to provide affordable rice to Malaysians. – Bernama, June 24, 2023.